by By Elijah Ugani – Calabar
No fewer than nine professors have indicated interest for the position of Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), to replace the incumbent Vice-Chancellor, Prof Zana Akpagu, on December 1, 2020.
TheLumineNews gathered that all those who have indicated interest have intimidating CVs, they include but not limited to: Prof. Joseph Asor (Biological Science); Prof Offiong E. Offiong (Chemistry); Prof. Ndiyo Ayara (Economics); Prof Francis Bisong (Geography) and Prof Florence Obi, (Education) former Commissioner for women Affairs, and former Deputy VC Academics.Others are: Prof. Patrick Asuquo (Education Administration); Prof. Eyong Ubana (Biochemistry); Prof. Benedict Ita (Chemistry) and Prof Anne Asuquo (Medical Microbiology)
The UNICAL Governing Council had declared the position of Vice-Chancellor vacant and listed eleven 11 conditions for the aspirants including being an acclaimed scholar and a Professor of very high repute; must have published in academic journals that are both of national and international repute; have had a wide range of academic and administrative experience and be on the rank of professor for at least nine years by December 1, 2020 and be able to provide administrative leadership to a well-informed and articulate local academic community.
Others required to qualify for the positions are, being a fair-minded and dynamic individual with a reputation that is impeccable in dealing with people at all levels; possess requisite and relevant managerial experience to be able to provide leadership to the University; and must not be more than 65 years of age by 1st December, 2020.
While a section of commentators have held that the position is supposed to be reserved for the southern senatorial district of the state on grounds that it is the turn of the southern senatorial district, others have argue that the south has held the position for seventeen years, central eight years and north 5 years. And that going by the statistics, it is rather central or northern senatorial districts that should occupy the position.
Despites public opinions, the President reserve the right to appoint the Vice on the recommendation of the Governing Council of the University.
As at the time of this report, TheLumineNews could not get to the Governing Council Chairman or the Registrar of the University who also serve as Secretary of Council.
What remains unchanged is the fact that one of them will be appointed the 11th Vice Chancellor of the University, to over see the affairs for another five years starting from December 1st, 2020
